Bristol Beacon: Who’s lined up to perform, what the launch date is and why it has taken so long to open

The wait for the launch of Bristol Beacon is almost over. Five years after the former Colston Hall closed, the new-look venue reopens next month after a major renovation and rebuild.

But the finishing touches are now finally underway as the venue prepares to welcome audiences back for a full programme of events.

The opening season will showcase a number of commissions and UK premieres as well as hosting some of the biggest names in music and comedy.

Here’s everything you need to know about Bristol Beacon.

When was the building originally built?

Bristol Beacon - formerly the Colston Hall - was built in two phases between 1867 and 1873, designed in the Bristol Byzantine style by architects Foster and Wood.

Who were some of the biggest acts to play the venue?

Between the 1950s and its closure in 2018, the Colston Hall hosted gigs from some of the biggest artists in popular music. These include The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Dylan, Queen, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Elton John and U2.

Why has it taken five years for Bristol Beacon to open?

Several reasons have been highlighted including the structural state of the building, contributed by apparent historic neglect. Then there have been some surprises along the way, such as the discovery of several hollow pillars and four wells in the ground. Also, the walls to the main hall were deemed so insecure that they had to be propped up. There was also the Covid pandemic along with the rising costs of materials and labour in the construction industry.

What changes have they made inside?

The venue will now have three performance areas ranging in size and purpose. The Beacon Hall - which will fit up to 2,196 people and have the option of standing or seating - is being designed to be the ‘best sounding venue in the world’ thanks to specialist acoustic engineers. Then there is the Lantern Hall - a second performance area for up to 500 people - which has newly-created windows and a ‘neutral’ interior to provide space for anything from conference meetings to arts shows. And downstairs is the ‘atmospheric’ Weston Cellar where there will also be recording studios for up-and-coming acts. The venue will also be fully accessible for people, with steps removed at the front for wheelchair access to the main hall.

How much has it cost?

It’s fair to say the project certainly stretched the purse strings at Bristol City Council with the total cost now estimated at £132million.

So, when will it open?

An all-day free party will take place at Bristol Beacon to mark the reopening on Thursday, November 30. The opening night will see globally-renowned Paraochestra perform a spectacular sound and light show with electronic artist Surgeons Girl, Charles Hazelwood and light artist Limbic Cinema. Organisers say it will the ‘multi-sensory experience which will light up the Beacon Hall for the first time’. Following that, the venue will open its doors for a ‘housewarming’ all-day free party featuring communities and artists from across the city on Saturday, December 2. The weekend will then be rounded off by Penguin Cafe on Sunday, December 3.

Who else is lined up to perform at Bristol Beacon?

There is already a packed programme for the opening season, with comedy, music, classical music and other events. Some of the big names already booked to perform over the coming months include Ricky Gervais, James Blunt and Paloma Faith.